A lithe figure swoops through the air suspended by a flowing length of coloured silk. They twist gracefully through a series of complicated somersaults and spins, before dropping suddenly and with heart-stopping speed towards the floor – to stop, in perfect control, inches from the audience!
Aerial Tissu, also known as silk, ribbon or fabric, is an apparatus used in aerial circus where an aerialist hangs and performs acrobatics while suspended by this special fabric.
The performer climbs the suspended fabric without the use of safety lines, and relies only on their training and skill to ensure their safety. They can use the fabric to: wrap, suspend, fall, swing, and spiral their body into and out of various positions.
Tissu routines are an exciting display of athleticism, coordination and flexibility.
Variations on the form
- The aerialist may be made to fly through the air on the tissu with the use of counterweight or rigging systems, striking poses and figures while flying.
- Aerial tissu can be used as a solo act or choreographed with any number of people to spectacular effect!
- One of the elements which makes aerial tissu so spectacular is the wide range of colour choices for the fabric. This can be very useful when incorporating the performance into the design of an event.
Staging requirements
Tissu is rigged on a single point, so needs only a load bearing beam, RSJ, fly bar, crane, to a safety factor of 1:10. We can also supply our own free-standing truss system.
The working height can be anything from 4m or above.
Bookings
Contact Tom Beauchamp to arrange a booking for a Tissu act or for any inquiries. We specialise in coordinating acts and production requirements to deliver a fantastic event!
